Junior League’s Entrepreneur writes her way into business

Old City Calligraphy will occupy a booth at The Junior League of Tampa’s Holiday Gift Market. The owner, Janee Scarle, was this year’s winner of a grant from The Junior League of Tampa’s Young Women’s Entrepreneur Program. [Courtesy of Janee Scarle]

BY ARIELLE WALDMANTimes Staff Writer

Published: November 8, 2016

TAMPA — The Junior League of Tampa is hosting their annual Holiday Gift Market which begins Thursday night and will continue through Sunday at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.

The shopping event features more than 150 specialty merchants from across the country offering unique gift items.

One of those merchants is Old City Calligraphy started by Janeé Scarle who was this year’s winner of a grant from The Junior League’s Young Women’s Entrepreneur Program.

“I feel grateful they picked me because it gave me the opportunity to buy supplies and stock up on inventory that I couldn’t have afforded before, since I am just starting out,” Scarle said.

Scarle picked up the pen two years ago while planning for her big day.

“I was getting married and needed someone to do calligraphy for the wedding but was having a hard time getting anyone to answer me back, so I just did it myself,” Scarle said.

One year ago, the hobby turned into a full-time online business, Old City Calligraphy, which operates out of Clearwater and ships to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

She also hosts Cocktails + Calligraphy workshops in intimate venues around the Tampa Bay area.

In addition to receiving the grant, Scarle was given a free booth at the Holiday Gift Market which she will fill with more than one thousand gift items including wine glasses, plenty of signs, calligraphy prints, wood trays, hand-painted globes, koozies, tea towels and more.

“Everything that I’ll have is hand lettered by me. There will be tons of items that appeal to everyone with prices starting at $6 and nothing that costs more than $150,” Scarle said.

Net proceeds raised by The Junior League of Tampa through the Holiday Gift Market will support the League’s programs and community projects in the areas of education and child welfare.

The preview party, now open to the public, takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $65 for VIP tickets. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301. General admission tickets are $8, and there’s an additional charge for parking.

For more information visit, jltampa.org/featured-events/holiday-gift-market.

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